GOP senator’s hemp hold on funding bill; State AGs want marijuana banking; KY gov pushes Trump on rescheduling; CBD for IBD; TX synthetic THC poll
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/ TOP THINGS TO KNOW
The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to discuss a case concerning the federal government’s ban on marijuana consumers owning guns in September—one of at least three cases the high court is being asked to consider on the issue.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) is threatening to hold up federal funding legislation until its provisions to broadly ban hemp-derived products with any detectable amount of THC are scaled back, according to several industry and advocacy sources.
A bipartisan coalition of 32 state and territory attorneys general sent a letter urging congressional leaders to pass marijuana banking legislation, saying “the lack of access to America’s financial system by cannabis businesses…presents a considerable safety issue for the public.”
The House Appropriations Committee is calling on federal agencies to create a plan to “eliminate” illegal cannabis grow operations “that are not sanctioned by State or Tribal authorities” and to “investigate potential money laundering schemes involving [Chinese Communist Party]-connected marijuana businesses.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) sent a letter urging President Donald Trump to oppose GOP-led congressional legislation that would block federal marijuana rescheduling—saying he hopes “your action on this issue matches the promises you made to the American people” during his campaign.
A majority of Texas voters support banning synthetic THC, according to a new poll circulated by a medical cannabis company as lawmakers consider legislation to restrict hemp products during a special session.
A new federally funded study found that “consumption of cannabis and CBD oil was perceived as beneficial for relieving [inflammatory bowel disease], with many reporting significant symptom relief from using these substances.”
- “19.4 percent of IBD patients reported decreased opioid use, and 14.5 percent reported induced remission with cannabis or CBD oil.”
Pennsylvania lawmakers and activists are increasingly aligned on the need to legalize marijuana—but strong disagreements remain on the best model for legal cannabis sales.
The interim director of the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management said the state could have up to 150 marijuana businesses approved for operations by the end of this year.
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission paused issuing new hemp retail licenses pending completion of a study on regulating intoxicating THC beverages sold in liquor stores and bars.
The Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation says it is about halfway through completing a backlog of 16,000 marijuana business employee fingerprint background checks.
/ FEDERAL
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report on dozens of people who experienced inadvertent THC intoxication after eating at a restaurant in a building with a shared kitchen used by a state-licensed vendor who produced cannabis edibles.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is offering an anti-drug patch to Scouts BSA and Girl Scouts members.
House Judiciary Committee leaders sent letters asking the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services for more information about migrant children who were found during raids on marijuana facilities operated by Glass House Brands.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) tweeted, “I did vote for the 2014 farm bill because it did contain my amendment to legalize hemp. I didn’t vote for the 2018 farm bill even though it did contain someone else’s hemp legislation to expand on my successful 2014 effort.”
/ STATES
Texas’s lieutenant governor pushed back against a media claim that pending legislation to ban consumable hemp products with any amount of THC is “supported by virtually no one other” than him.
Oklahoma’s attorney general touted an indictment related to the robbery of a medical cannabis operation.
Illinois regulators are being sued over a refusal to grant permission for a cannabis cultivation operation to expand with a hoop house.
Minnesota regulators are asking a court to order a retailer to destroy allegedly noncompliant hemp products.
New York regulators approved additional marijuana business licenses as well as updated proposed rules on packaging, labeling and marketing.
California regulators are extending the public comment period for proposed changes to rules on cannabis cultivation and minimum sanitation standards.
Virginia regulators posted guidance on marijuana home cultivation.
Oregon regulators published a summary of issues discussed at psilocybin services listening sessions.
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Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.
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/ LOCAL
The Allentown, Pennsylvania City Council passed a resolution calling on state lawmakers to legalize marijuana.
Bentonville, Arkansas activists are working on a local psychedelics legalization effort.
/ INTERNATIONAL
Dominica’s finance minister discussed the formation of a National Advisory Committee on Medicinal Cannabis.
/ SCIENCE & HEALTH
A study concluded that “cannabis is a viable alternative to opioids for controlling pain.”
A study found that “although the C. sativa flower extract at various dilutions has potential as a tickicide and for healing skin lesions, it causes hepatic tissue damage in rabbits to varying degree.”
/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS
United Farm Workers issued a warning saying, “If you are not a citizen, it is safest to stay away from work in cannabis if possible, including jobs in growing, trimming, packaging, or retail. This includes state licensed operations.”
/ BUSINESS
Colorado retailers sold $111.7 million worth of legal marijuana products in April.
/ CULTURE
System Of A Down bassist Shavo Odadjian discussed his use of marijuana and his cannabis brand.
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